Are states derailing the renewable energy drive in India?

Each state in India, in its unique way, is putting obstacles to the green energy space that was once considered a sunshine sector. Apart from Andhra’s infamous bid to renegotiate renewable contracts, govts in Telangana, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are also not letting green plants breathe easy, despite these projects enjoying 'must-run' status.

NEW DELHI: In March last year, the Uttar Pradesh power regulator issued draft regulations on net metering for renewable energy companies. Net metering is a billing mechanism where solar producers are paid by distribution companies for the power they generate after offsetting for their internal consumption. Stakeholders' meetings were held and the regulator followed all the standard procedures, but the

investor sentiments in the sector. This is reflected from the slowdown in tendering of wind and solar PV projects by 37% to 10.6 GW in 9M CY2019 from 16.7 GW in the corresponding period of previous year. Moreover, many of bids called by central nodal agencies remained under-subscribed," ICRA group head and senior vice president (corporate ratings) Sabyasachi Majumdar said.